Michelle

Early Life and Musical Development

Michelle Courtens was born on 3 August 1981 in Venray, a town in the Limburg province of the Netherlands. She showed an early talent for music. In her teens, she took up singing and cello, which became her primary instruments. At age 17, Michelle enrolled at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam to study light music vocals. She later specialised in jazz singing and cello, graduating cum laude in 2003. 

Eurovision Song Contest 2001

In early 2001, Michelle entered the Nationaal Songfestival, the Dutch national contest to select the country’s Eurovision entry. On 2 March 2001 she performed the pop ballad “Out on My Own” and won the competition with 84 points, far ahead of the runner-up. Both the public and jury gave her the top scores. This victory earned Michelle the opportunity to represent the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest 2001 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

At the Eurovision final in May 2001, Michelle took the stage in a distinctive manner. She sang while seated and barefoot, an unconventional choice noted by many. However, despite the memorable performance, the song finished in 18th place with only 16 points. Under the rules in place at the time, the low placement meant that the Netherlands had to sit out the following year’s contest in 2002. “Out on My Own” did achieve domestic success: in March 2001 the single reached the top ten of the Dutch music charts (peaking at #9 in the Top 40), a rare feat for a Eurovision entry in the Netherlands.

Post-Eurovision Music Career

After Eurovision, Michelle continued to pursue her music career. She released a follow-up single titled “Coming Up Roses” in 2002, attempting to build on her Eurovision fame. Unfortunately, that song failed to make an impact and went largely unnoticed by the public. Michelle then shifted focus to further developing her craft. She completed her conservatory studies, earning her degree with honours in 2003. Around this time, she formed a band in which her brother Jasper played drums. Michelle also became the lead singer and a cellist in a Dutch indie group called EinsteinBarbie.

In the following years, Michelle stayed active in the music scene through various projects. In 2009, she wrote and recorded a song called “Boobs ’n Brains” for the Femme van het Jaar (Woman of the Year) awards, an event organised by the Dutch LGBTQ+ platform FemFusion. The song was an empowering anthem and underlined Michelle’s presence as an openly lesbian artist in the public eye. By this time, she was also working as a vocal coach, sharing her singing expertise as a teacher.

Musical Theatre and Collaborations

Michelle’s talents led her into musical theatre and collaborative performances. She starred in the Dutch stage musicals Chess and Waanzinnig Gedroomd, taking on acting and singing roles in these productions. Her background in music made her a sought-after accompanist as well. As a cellist and backing vocalist, she performed with well-known Dutch artists such as pop singer Jim Bakkum, rock entertainer Ellen ten Damme, and fellow Eurovision alumna Marlayne Sahupala.

In addition to stage and studio work, Michelle collaborated closely with musician Remco van de Weerdt. Together they released several independent albums and singles, and they toured across the Netherlands with their music. Michelle’s collaborative spirit kept her in demand. In 2018 and 2019, she even joined the live band of Dutch vocalist Sjors van der Panne, where she played cello, accordion, and bass guitar during concerts. This period showcased her adaptability and passion for diverse musical genres.

Transition to Healthcare and Recent Work

By the late 2010s, Michelle decided to embrace another calling. In 2019, alongside her ongoing musical activities, she chose to pursue a career in healthcare. The following year she began studying nursing, motivated by a desire to help others and to potentially blend music with care-giving. Michelle successfully completed her nursing education and, as of 2023, is working as a qualified nurse. True to her artistic roots, she has found a way to combine her two passions. Adopting the moniker “de Zingende Zuster” (which means “the Singing Nurse”), she uses music as a therapeutic and comforting tool in her healthcare work. Her warm singing voice often brings joy and solace to patients, exemplifying how music connects and heals even in clinical settings.

Despite this career change, Michelle has not abandoned music. She continues to perform occasionally and to coach aspiring singers, maintaining a balance between her life in care and her life on stage. Her journey reflects a unique blend of artistry and empathy, as she thrives in both the musical and medical fields.

Personal Life

Michelle Courtens is open about her personal life in the public sphere. She married her long-time girlfriend, Carlijn, on 16 September 2006. Their wedding was notable as Michelle was one of the few young Dutch pop artists of that era who were openly gay. The marriage later ended, and the couple went their separate ways. Since 2018, Michelle has been in a relationship with Bregje Bugter. Throughout her career, Michelle has been recognized not only for her music but also for being a positive role model in the LGBTQ+ community. She generally keeps a low public profile, focusing on her work and family. In recent years, her public appearances have centered around music events and healthcare initiatives where she continues to inspire others with her voice and her dedication.